Waterloo Human Rights Commission

If you have secured a loan and are closing on a new home in the near future, congratulations—you’re one of the lucky few, Annie Lowrey writes.
https://theatln.tc/EFuPLiOo

Data from the Mortgage Bankers Association show that Americans are applying for fewer mortgages than they have at any point in the past quarter century, including during the worst of the Great Recession. Few families are putting their home up for sale, few families are buying, and little new stock is being created.

“The disappearance of the middle-class mortgage does not represent merely a short-term challenge for individual families,” Lowrey writes. “It portends major changes in the long-term financial security of the American middle class.”

Read more about the causes for this new housing trend—and what’s next—at the link: https://theatln.tc/EFuPLiOo

New findings show that closing a community’s Administration (SSA) office would dramatically increase driving times for most people.

Understanding current access to SSA offices and how potential closures could affect people can help federal, state, and local identify gaps in services and assess which would be most affected. In this Urban Institute analysis, experts map the current area each SSA office covers to understand how long people in each area would have to drive if their nearest office were to close.

Learn more. https://urbn.is/4lg8fpM

The Power of Private Museums

Last night at the 47th annual Martin Luther King Jr. Banquet, Rev. Abraham Funchess Jr. was recognized by Social Action Inc. and received the Community Service Award. This honor was given for his service and dedication to uplifting the communities he serves in the Cedar Valley. Congratulations.

Join the Volunteer Center of the Cedar Valley and Grout Museum District on Monday, January 19, to celebrate the life of Dr. King with this family-friendly event.

Join the Volunteer Center of Cedar Valley and on Monday, January 19 to celebrate the life of Dr. King with this family-friendly event.

MLK Day is a day on, not a day off - participate in our Day of Service and help make a meaningful difference in our community.

RSVP are due today for the upcoming Martin Luther King Jr. Banquet on January 18th. See the link in the post below to secure your ticket today.

Get your tickets today for the 47th Annual Martin Luther King Jr. Banquet!

RSVP Here: https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=JMFH-QcCCkqWqI6h-6CzPjCQ8ctSEMlDn5xEd8qhM5JUQTg1MFM0NUVLTk9MMVRIUDBIM0lOR0VSSi4u&route=shorturl

Human Rights Day is observed annually around the world on 10 December. In Waterloo, the First Congregational UCC Waterloo, Iowa located at 607 W 4th Street in Waterloo, will be hosting an observation that evening at 5:15-6:45 PM.

Rev. Dave Kivett will be coordinating an interactive exercise highlighting the lack of essentials.

People of all ages are encouraged to attend and participate.

Meet Addy Grim Kaune. She is an apprentice investigator for the Waterloo Human Rights Commission (WHRC).

In 2021, a conversation with Mayor Quentin Hart inspired her to find a meaningful way to serve her community. With a background in history and sociology, she wanted to give back to the city she loves while applying her academic interests in a real-world setting.

Hart connected her with Executive Director Abraham Funchess and Addy joined the WHRC as an intern, which she explains launched a career rooted in compassion, equity, and community service.

Addy credits her parents for shaping her moral compass. “They taught me to respect others, love unconditionally, and use the gifts I was given to help my community,” she says.
She describes her hometown of Waterloo as “exceedingly diverse” and she is fiercely protective of its people and potential.

During her college years, Addy became a passionate advocate for equity and equality, developing the conviction that continues to guide her work today.

Most of Addy’s work involves employment discrimination cases, where she values the careful, methodical process of investigation. She is currently developing a proposal to help clients better understand their rights, their role in the process, and how WHRC investigations work by making the system more transparent and empowering for residents.

“When residents come to us, many are at the end of their rope,” Addy shared. “It’s not just about the injustice they’ve faced; it’s about their mental health, finances, and the isolation that can come from speaking out.”

Her approach begins with empathy, striving to make every individual feel heard and supported. She believes this is key to ensuring the Commission remains a safe, welcoming space for all.

With a foundation in history and sociology, Addy brings a fresh, analytical perspective to the department. “Viewing discrimination through a historical and sociological lens adds a new element to the team,” she explains, emphasizing how understanding patterns of inequity over time deepens her work in the present.

Working in Human Rights has given Addy a broader view of how city departments collaborate to serve residents. “I’ve learned how our city functions as an entity and how many departments support our mission. It’s essential that we cooperate as a city toward a common goal.”

One of Addy’s most formative experiences was traveling to Rwanda to study its justice system.

“I met individuals who were both victims and perpetrators of genocide; people who now live peacefully side by side,” she reflects. “Their resilience inspires me daily to keep working toward peace and equity.”

Addy’s long-term advocacy goals focus on genocide awareness and prevention. She hopes to help reform how these issues are discussed and addressed globally. “It’s a taboo topic, but identifying and taking action against genocide is essential… not just abroad, but in understanding its echoes within our own communities.”

Recently married, Addy describes this new chapter of life as “challenging and fulfilling.” She and her husband share both of their family names to honor their parents and grandparents.

The couple recently purchased a newly renovated home in Waterloo, where they live with their five cats and are adding personal touches to make it truly their own. When she’s not working, Addy enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with friends and family.

Yeah Addy! We are glad she's a part of our team.

Meet Addy Grim Kaune. She is an apprentice investigator for the Waterloo Human Rights Commission (WHRC).

In 2021, a conversation with Mayor Quentin Hart inspired her to find a meaningful way to serve her community. With a background in history and sociology, she wanted to give back to the city she loves while applying her academic interests in a real-world setting.

Hart connected her with Executive Director Abraham Funchess and Addy joined the WHRC as an intern, which she explains launched a career rooted in compassion, equity, and community service.

Addy credits her parents for shaping her moral compass. “They taught me to respect others, love unconditionally, and use the gifts I was given to help my community,” she says.
She describes her hometown of Waterloo as “exceedingly diverse” and she is fiercely protective of its people and potential.

During her college years, Addy became a passionate advocate for equity and equality, developing the conviction that continues to guide her work today.

Most of Addy’s work involves employment discrimination cases, where she values the careful, methodical process of investigation. She is currently developing a proposal to help clients better understand their rights, their role in the process, and how WHRC investigations work by making the system more transparent and empowering for residents.

“When residents come to us, many are at the end of their rope,” Addy shared. “It’s not just about the injustice they’ve faced; it’s about their mental health, finances, and the isolation that can come from speaking out.”

Her approach begins with empathy, striving to make every individual feel heard and supported. She believes this is key to ensuring the Commission remains a safe, welcoming space for all.

With a foundation in history and sociology, Addy brings a fresh, analytical perspective to the department. “Viewing discrimination through a historical and sociological lens adds a new element to the team,” she explains, emphasizing how understanding patterns of inequity over time deepens her work in the present.

Working in Human Rights has given Addy a broader view of how city departments collaborate to serve residents. “I’ve learned how our city functions as an entity and how many departments support our mission. It’s essential that we cooperate as a city toward a common goal.”

One of Addy’s most formative experiences was traveling to Rwanda to study its justice system.

“I met individuals who were both victims and perpetrators of genocide; people who now live peacefully side by side,” she reflects. “Their resilience inspires me daily to keep working toward peace and equity.”

Addy’s long-term advocacy goals focus on genocide awareness and prevention. She hopes to help reform how these issues are discussed and addressed globally. “It’s a taboo topic, but identifying and taking action against genocide is essential… not just abroad, but in understanding its echoes within our own communities.”

Recently married, Addy describes this new chapter of life as “challenging and fulfilling.” She and her husband share both of their family names to honor their parents and grandparents.

The couple recently purchased a newly renovated home in Waterloo, where they live with their five cats and are adding personal touches to make it truly their own. When she’s not working, Addy enjoys reading, traveling, and spending quality time with friends and family.

A reminder that there is a movie and discussion presented by Iowa United Women in Faith at the Waterloo Public Library.

Save the date for this free documentary showing at the Waterloo Public Library.